TERMOLI AND THE WONDERS OF MOLISE

We guide you on a suggestive walk for this great little southern city full of surprises

Visit Molise! I suggest Termoli, a small yet significant city in the Campobasso region that faces the Adriatic Sea. Especially in the summer, it is one of Molise’s busiest centers. Come with me as I walk you through some of its most distinctive places.

The Borgo Antico (i.e. old town) - a labyrinth of winding alleys where it is fun to get lost - is the most emblematic area of the city. The Swabian Castle, which reminds us of the Norman origins of Termoli with its magnificence, has clear signage pointing to the entry. Due to its advantageous location, it was formerly a highly effective sea defense. Today, the air force weather station is housed in the central tower, which is frequently chosen as the location for small art exhibitions.

For photographers, the clearing at its base serves as the Belvedere from which to catch a mesmerizing marine sunset. The stroll continues around the Borgo’s walls, where in the summertime we may frequently find food stands and local handicrafts. If you don’t get sidetracked by the breathtaking view of the seaside, you’ll discover the famed Rejecelle, a short street between two colored houses that is so narrow that you can only move sideways. Once you’ve crossed it, you’ll be in Piazza del Duomo, home of the Santa Maria della Purificazione Cathedral. It contains the remains of the city’s patron saints, San Basso and San Timoteo, in Apulian Romanesque architecture. Continue exploring the Borgo by getting lost in the quaint boutiques and labyrinthine passageways until you reach the spiral stairway leading to the harbour, where many ferries depart daily (weather permitting) for the Tremiti Islands. Take the Promenade of the Trabucchi, which circles the old town’s ancient walls, from the harbor. The Trabucchi are real fishing machines planted with a dense network of stilt houses in the water, connected to the mainland by a wooden walkway, despite seeming like abandoned shacks. They have guaranteed the city a steady supply of fresh fish for years. The only one that is still standing is the Trabucco di Celestino, regarded as one of Termoli’s symbols together with the Castle. Resuming your journey, attempt to take a moment on the wind rose in the tiny square at the end of the path. Can you identify the wind’s source and type?

Corso Nazionale, which is festively lit up with lights in the summer, is the core of the contemporary city and the hub of city life. Here you will find stores, cafés, and restaurants that lead you to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the “living room” of Termoli. Even those who dislike crowds will find this bustling pedestrian strip captivating. Another option is Piazza Sant’Antonio, which is located in a prime location and offers a breathtaking view of the ancient town and the coast in the direction of Abruzzo. The ideal time of day to enjoy the scenery is at sunset, but I highly suggest getting up early to watch the dawn. Additionally, pay a visit to the statue of Jacovitti, the well-known cartoonist and Cocco Bill’s father, who was born here a century ago.

A couple of ideas for planning a vacation: the patron San Basso celebrates his feast day in early August. This celebration is unique in that a fishing boat leads a procession of devout people in boats into the sea while carrying the statue of the saint, beautifully adorned. Then, you can experience the spectacular fireworks show known as the Castle Fire from the beach on August 15th. To celebrate the Assumption of Mary and recall the Turkish invasion of the city in the 16th century, it is customary to light up Termoli with fireworks of various types on the Walk of the Trabucchi and the entire Borgo walls.

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